Empowering students with language-based learning differences
New Head of School Announcement
About
Dear Siena Community,
We are delighted to announce that Katie Douglas will be the new Head of School for Siena's Silver Spring campus effective July 1, 2023. Our thanks and appreciation extend to our families, students, faculty, and staff for their dedicated participation in this national search process. In joining Siena’s leadership team, Katie brings a wealth of experience in and commitment to LD education.
Meet Katie Douglas
Katie is an experienced educator and school leader whose professional ethos perfectly aligns with Siena’s mission and community. She has worked for over 16 years in independent school education, including nearly 14 years at The Lab School of Washington as Interim Intermediate Division Head, Associate Head of Intermediate Division, Summer Program Director, and English Teacher. Katie also brings to Siena a strong background in and dedication to LD education.
Most recently, Katie was Interim Head of Middle School at Friends Community School in College Park, Maryland, where she oversaw curriculum and programming, communicated with families regularly, and inspired a commitment to Friends Community School’s mission and continuous learning in the community.
Katie holds a Masters in Curriculum Instruction (with a focus on special education and English language learners) from The George Washington University and a B.A. in Sociology and Education from Haverford College. She is currently finishing a Certificate of Advanced Educational Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Katie has also been an AISGW Emerging Leaders Fellow and has participated in several programs designed to enable school leaders to problem-solve issues of equity and justice.
Although Katie will officially begin her tenure as Silver Spring Head of School on July 1, 2023, she will begin gradually transitioning into her new role and meeting with the Siena community. Stay tuned for more information about opportunities to meet with Katie in the second semester.
When asked about this new role, Katie shared her excitement:
"Joining the team at Siena is exciting, and I am grateful for the opportunity to return to a community of educators and families who believe in students who learn differently. I look forward to getting to know the community in the year ahead and to continuing the strong traditions that make Siena a welcoming and affirming place for students, families, and staff/faculty. There is much joy, creativity, and learning ahead!"
About the Search Process
In partnership with Storbeck Search, Siena’s Head of School Selection Committee conducted a national search that was guided by a host of critical considerations, including the successful candidate’s ability to:
- Lead a vibrant academic program serving bright, motivated students who have mild to moderate language–based learning differences;
- Model and inspire educational vision and innovation;
- Be an authentic and transparent leader who can work collaboratively with all members of the Siena community;
- Foster an exceptional commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; and
- Think strategically and be a thought leader in education for the LD community.
We look forward to working with Katie to ensure a smooth transition as we prepare for the 2023-24 school year. Please join us in welcoming Katie Douglas to Siena’s community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jilly Darefsky
Executive Head of School
Parent (7th & 10th)
Erik Heyer
Founder, Board Chair
Parent (6th)
"We're delighted that Katie Douglas is joining the Siena community as the next Head of School for Silver Spring. Katie's experience, expertise, and dedication to students who learn differently were evident throughout the selection process, and we're excited that she's joining Siena's team." –Dr. Jilly Darefsky, Executive Head of School